PuroClean Portland & Vancouver

Category-3 (black water)

A Category-3   (black water) is water that is grossly contaminated – containing pathogenic or other harmful agents and materials. Examples of this type of loss include sewage; toilet backflows that originate beyond the toilet trap (regardless of color); all forms of flooding from seawater, rivers, or streams; rising ground water; and water entering the structure from hurricanes, storms, or other weather-related events.

This water condition is of primary concern when it comes to the health and safety of the occupants. It should be treated seriously! Policyholders should not expose themselves to Category-3 water. If, for some reason it is necessary, then they should be cautioned and reminded to wear gloves, shoe protection, and other items to protect themselves. Mitigation professionals, however, are especially trained to handle this type of loss and are the best guarantee of proper containment.
Industry standards require that carpet and pad that have been contaminated with black water must be bagged, removed from the structure, and disposed of in an appropriate location. This also applies to other absorbent materials that have come in contact with black water such as textiles, drywall, etc. A professional restoration contractor understands this and operates accordingly.

So…..  Clean water (Category 1 water loss) over time can turn into black water (Category 3).  If we respond to a Category 1 water loss – most if not all of the structure and contents may be saved.  On the other hand, there may be a significant loss of content and structural components from a Category 3 water loss.  To minimize water damage, immediate response is necessary.